UK's Most Vulerable Households to Receive £900 Cost of Living Payment in Three Instalments

The UK Government has confirmed that from 25 April 2023, millions of the country's most vulnerable households will start receiving the first third of their £900 cost of living payment. This payment will be tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap and will not affect any existing benefits.

If you're eligible for this payment, you don't need to apply for it as it will be automatically paid to you in the same way you receive your benefits or tax credits. However, be wary of scammers claiming otherwise, as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will never ask for personal details or banking information via text or email.

The first payment of £301 will be made to qualifying households in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales from 25 April 2023, with most payments being made by 17 May 2023. If you only claim child tax credit or working tax credit, your payment will come "shortly after" the others.

More cost of living payments will be made later in the year, including a one-off payment of £150 for people who receive certain disability benefits listed below, which will be paid in summer 2023.

• Adult disability payment (in Scotland)
• Armed forces independence payment
• Attendance allowance
• Child disability payment (in Scotland)
• Constant attendance allowance
• Disability living allowance
• Personal independence payment
• War pension mobility supplement

If you're above state pension age, you'll get £300 – paid in winter 2023/24

Additionally, those above state pension age (aged 66 and over) who are entitled to winter fuel payment will receive a top-up of £300 in winter 2023/24.

In 2023/24, there are three different cost of living payments available, with each payment being slightly different in amount to allow for clearer tracking by the DWP and HM Revenue & Customs. Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be eligible for one, two, or all three payments, meaning some could receive a total of £1,350.

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